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Does the Minister believe that corded window coverings are a known and preventable strangulation risk to young children in New Zealand?

Answered Question 4074 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the Minister believe that corded window coverings are a known and preventable strangulation risk to young children in New Zealand?

Answered by

Hon Scott Simpson

Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The risks associated with corded internal window coverings are well documented. Coronial findings have identified multiple child fatalities in New Zealand caused by entanglement in blind cords and have described corded blinds as a known hazard. I encourage all households and suppliers to follow the safety guidance and ensure that blind cords are kept out of reach and properly secured.